Education Specialist, DEGRA
Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
Through the USAID/Ethiopia and Djibouti Learning Analytics Activity (LAA), MSI is tasked to conduct an endline evaluation of the Djibouti Early Grade Reading Activity (DEGRA). DEGRA is a five-year (February 2019 - September 2024) Activity that aims to improve reading proficiency in primary schools (grades 1 - 5) with more than 55,000 children and was implemented in Djibouti (country-wide) by FHI 360. The activity implemented a coordinated approach to engage teachers, communities and MENFOP (Ministry of Education and Vocational Training) to catalyze change and create an inclusive, gender-equitable and enriching environment for reading at school, community, and policy levels. With the development of quality material and teacher’s training, the activity aimed to ensure the use of instructional practices for reading, tailored to children's needs and based on regular assessments. Parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) were also supported with activities that encourage reading in the community such as festivals, tutoring, and reading at home. The Activity helped also MENFOP establish a technical commission to make a policy decision that will formalize the reading reforms supported by the activity.
**Please note: All citizenships are eligible for this position**
Position Summary:
The Education Specialist will be a core member of the DEGRA evaluation team and provide subject matter expertise in Early Grade Reading evaluation expertise to the team. The estimated level of effort (LOE) is tentatively 45 days, and the expected performance period for this activity is to start in the third week of July 2024 and is expected to be completed in December 2024. The LOE will be finalized during revised once the evaluation design is complete.
Responsibilities:
- Provide early-grade reading expertise for the evaluation.
- Participate in the development of the evaluation work plan and design.
- Contribute to developing instruments, respondent selection, and secondary data review.
- Participate in the write-up of the inception report and prepare a presentation.
- Ensure data quality and integrity by training with other team members on best data collection, data capture, and analysis practices.
- Provide data collection training and ensure data collection efforts, planning, and coordination with relevant stakeholders and respondents.
- Participate in qualitative data collection and capture efforts, including conducting interviews, document reviews, and direct observations.
- Collaborate with the team members to analyze data, draft evaluation reports, and presentations to USAID and other relevant stakeholders.
- Address comments given at all stages of the evaluation and deliver quality products.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of master’s degree in education, social sciences, or a related field is required.
- Minimum five years of experience consulting for International Development Agencies on Djibouti education trends and developing informative products is required.
- Experience with analytical ability and leadership skills in team management, evaluation design, and implementation required.
- Experience in evaluating education programming required.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative evaluation design methodology, qualitative data collection through key informant interviews, focus groups, and analysis.
- Knowledge and experience in early grade reading, child protection, safeguarding, capacity building, inclusion, and gender.
- Knowledge of Djibouti’s education issues, development context, and key stakeholders.
- Knowledge of donor-funded education projects and an understanding of USAID programs.
- Familiarity with USAID Evaluation Standards and requirements required.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work required.
- Written and verbal proficiency in English and French required. Proficiency in local languages is advantageous.
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.